BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Birmingham Police Department is conducting a homicide investigation after responding to a car fire on Friday night on the 2100 block of Smith Avenue.

That night, around 8:30 p.m., officers from the West Precinct responded to Smith Avenue after reports of a car fire, according to a press release. When they arrived, the Birmingham Fire Department was in the process of extinguishing the fire.

Once the car fire was put out, officers discovered the “charred” remains of an unknown black male on the ground outside of the car, according to the release.

Witnesses at the scene reported hearing a small explosion and seeing smoke come from the area when Birmingham Fire and Rescue were notified. At this time, the cause of death is undetermined.